quick question about using Nokia 8290 phone on diffrent gsm networks...

[$pade]

I have a Nokia 8290 from cingular and I was wondering if users from the other gsm networks like Voicestream, Fido, etc.. can plug in their sim card and use the phone with their carrier as well?

 

[Rent]

My friend had the same phone on Voicestream. I'm not sure about Fido or others though

 

[$pade]

The only concern I am having is seeing some phones on ebay where the seller is advertising it as being unlocked and thus useable on any gsm network. I know that the 8290 works on the voicestream network but I am just wondering if cingular put some kind of security measure on the phones they give out to their customers that makes them work only with cingular sim cards.

 

[saltedeggman]

ask your provider and ask if the phone is SIM lock, meaning they are only operable under certain company

 

[Deeko]

More than likely the phone is locked, and you would need to see if you can get Cingular to unlock it for you.

 

[aphex]

If cingular won't unlock it (they dont have to)... There's always someone here who will (for a price)

 

[Imdmn04]

they'll work if you unlock it and take it to a different company using the same gsm frequency.
since all us gsm based companies uses the frequency of 1900, you shouldnt be worried unless you goto europe where they use gsm 900.